Profile
Kiyonari Akagane (澄慈 - 澄 = serene and 慈 = to be affectionate)
Au Ra (Raen), he/him and any pronouns
Age > 23 (ARR) 24 (HW) 25 (STB) 26 (SHB)
Birthday > 07/20
Height > 190 cm (ARR) - 194 cm (SHB)
Weight > ~ 64.8 kg
Class > PLD main, BRD, CNJ, LNC
He has a scar through the scales on his upper left arm.
Born to Naoyuki and Kaya Akagane in the city of Kugane, Kiyonari has had a weak constitution since birth. His parents, both internationally travelling merchants, had planned to raise their young son in Kugane until he was old enough to choose to either travel with them or stay in Kugane alongside the rest of the Akagane family; however, caring for Kiyonari's poor health required Kaya and Naoyuki to resume their travels much earlier than expected, leaving Kiyonari in the care of his older cousin, Chikanori.
With Chikanori caring for and raising him, Kiyonari spent most of his childhood weak and ill. An infection and illness caused his left eye to become nearly blind. Undeterred, the young Kiyonari spent his available time learning anything and everything he could--reading, writing, drawing, handicrafts, and whatever he could within the limits of his physical abilities--which led to him becoming quite knowledgable.
With Kiyonari being sheltered and shy, he didn't have any friends; his only companion was Chikanori. He would always smile and say he was alright like this, hiding his loneliness.
His parents weren't able to visit home often, but when they did, they brought gifts and wonderful stories that Kiyonari would listen to all day and night. Both Kaya and Naoyuki taught Kiyonari about myriad subjects--the stars, conversation tactics, foreign languages, and more. Admiring both his parents with all his heart, Kiyonari quickly declared that his dream was to travel the world like his parents.
As Kiyonari grew older, it seemed like his condition was steadily improving, and, with his parents' and Chikanori's assistance, he was set to start traveling with his parents in the continent of Eorzea at age 18. In preparation for this transition, Kiyonari and Chikanori moved into a temporary residence in the Black Shroud in order for Kiyonari to adjust to the new setting.
Then... near Kiyonari's 18th birthday, the event that has come to be known as the Calamity occurred. With the world literally crashing around him, Kiyonari's stress and the ambient imbalance of aether caused Kiyonari's health to rapidly deteriorate. His poor health and the state of Eorzea following the Calamity prohibited Kiyonari from traveling back to Kugane, leaving him bedridden in a nearly-unfamiliar land. He fell into a depression for several years--not only were his dreams crushed by factors outside of his control, but he could not support and help anyone else because of his own health.
A few months after Kiyonari's 23rd nameday, Kiyonari awoke one day to find that the blessing of the Mothercrystal had fallen upon him, strengthening his body dramatically. After confirming that his health was in order, Kiyonari set out as an adventurer to see the world and help people along the way.
From the Black Shroud, Kiyonari first traveled to Ul'Dah, hoping to meet some people his parents were acquainted with and to learn how to fight in the Gladiators' Guild. However, due to his extremely sheltered upbringing, Kiyonari entirely lacked a sense of direction. It seemed like he got lost with every other step... Until a kind Miqo'te took his hand and guided him the right way. That Miqo'te was W'Rhowa, who Kiyonari would eventually accompany on his travels, helping W'Rhowa seek out a cure for his sick mother.
